Book Review: Grave Errors, Carol J. Perry (2017)

If you're looking for a mystery that really grabs you, Grave Errors by Carol J. Perry is a fantastic choice. This is the fifth book in her Witch City Mystery series, and it's another charming trip to Salem, Massachusetts. It has everything a fan of cozy mysteries could want.

Right away, Perry's writing is excellent. It's super easy to read and pulls you into the story with great descriptions of Salem. You can almost feel the autumn air and the magical vibe of the town, which makes it a perfect setting for a mysterious and supernatural tale.

The characters are what really make Grave Errors stand out. Lee Barrett, the main character, continues to grow. Her unique charm and special "gift" make her a lovable detective you can easily connect with. Her interactions with her Aunt Ibby and the amazing cat O'Ryan add warmth and humor, making their detective team a lot of fun to follow. The other characters are also well-developed, creating a rich and believable community that feels familiar.

The mystery itself is a perfect example of cozy suspense. Perry skillfully crafts an exciting plot with unexpected twists that keep you guessing until the very end. Unlike some cozy mysteries that can be predictable, Grave Errors feels fresh, making the journey to solve the mystery as enjoyable as finding out the answer. The mix of traditional detective work and Lee's subtle paranormal insights gives it a unique and comforting feel.

Whether you've been following the Witch City Mysteries for a while or you're new to Carol J. Perry's books, Grave Errors is a wonderful read. It shows how skilled Perry is that even if you start with this book, you'll quickly get hooked and want to read more (and future) adventures. If you're looking for a relaxing, enjoyable mystery with lovable characters, a captivating plot, and a touch of magic, Grave Errors is the book for you. It's a truly enchanting addition to the genre.

Carolina Dean 
Official Book Reviewer
12th House Books 

My Favorite Reads: Witch Edition

Welcome, fellow spellbinders and curious readers! I've always been drawn to the enchanting world of fictional witches, those captivating characters that populate the pages of suspenseful thrillers, magically realistic tales, epic fantasies, and cozy mysteries. 

For me, reading is more than just an escape; it's a source of inspiration. I often find myself incorporating the spells, rituals, and beliefs woven into these stories into my own real-world magical practices. 

Join me as I delve into some of my absolute favorite fictional books about witches and witchcraft, exploring the magic that leaps off the page and into our lives.

The Chocolate Series, Joanne Harris

• Chocolate
• The Girl With No Shadow (Alternate Title, "The Lollipop Shoes") 
• Peaches for Monsieur le Curé
• The Strawberry Thief 

The Deliverance Dane Series 

• The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane
• Daughters of Temperance Hobbs

The Practical Magic Series, Alice Hoffman 

• Practical Magic 
• The Rules of Magic 
• Magic Lessons 
• The Book of Magic 

The Eastwick Series, John Updike

• The Witches of Eastwick 
• The Widows of Eastwick

The Secret History Series, Louisa Morgan 

• A Secret History of Witches  
• The Witch's Kind  
• The Age of Witches  
• The Great Witch of Brittany  
• The Ghosts of Beatrice Bird 

Carolina Dean 

List Maker Supreme

Twelfth House Books 

Book Review: The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane

 

• Year of Publication: 2009
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Voice (June 9, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401340903

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is a captivating novel that seamlessly blends historical fiction, magic, and mystery.

The story follows Harvard graduate student Connie Goodwin as she's unexpectedly thrust into a family quest. While grappling with her doctoral thesis, she's tasked with preparing her grandmother's long-abandoned home for sale. During this endeavor, a startling discovery – an ancient key and a parchment bearing the name Deliverance Dane – sets her on an intriguing path.

Deliverance Dane, a woman accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials, becomes the focus of Connie's research. Intrigued by the possibility of a forgotten legacy, Connie delves into historical records, uncovering a hidden family connection to a powerful magical lineage passed down through a mysterious "receipt book."

The novel expertly weaves between 1991 and the chilling era of the Salem Witch Trials, creating a rich tapestry of time and circumstance. While the identity of Connie's antagonist may become apparent to astute readers early on, the journey of discovery remains thoroughly engaging.

"The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" is essentially three intertwined narratives: Connie's present-day quest, the tragic story of Deliverance Dane, and the intriguing history of the "receipt book" itself. The author masterfully blends magic and historical reality, incorporating genuine practices like the "Sieve and the Scissors" divination method and the "Method for the Redress of Fitts."

This book will enchant readers who enjoy magical realism, historical fiction, and a touch of romance. Fans of "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" will also appreciate the sequel, "The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs."

Overall: A spellbinding and thought-provoking read that will leave you pondering the enduring power of history and the unexpected legacies we inherit.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Pointy Little Hats (I'm working on my rating system). 

LINKS

• The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane 
• The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs 

Carolina Dean  Official Book Reviewer  12th House Books